I Overheard My MIL and My Husband’s Plan to Hide the Food from Me as I’m ‘Too Fat’ — I Took Revenge on Them Both
When Emily hears her husband and mother-in-law discussing ruthless plans in the kitchen, she is appalled. She’s profoundly disturbed by their plan to hide food from her since she’s “too fat”. Emily plans a cunning retaliation that they won’t expect since she is determined to stand up and put an end to the poisoning.
“Honey, but you don’t want to live with an elephant, do you?” Noele’s words pierced through the doorway to the kitchen.
With my knitting needles paused mid-air, I froze on the couch. Was that what I heard? I leaned in to listen, my heart racing.
My husband said, “I don’t, but she’ll notice it and start asking questions,” with a worry in his voice.
“Act foolish. I’ll also take all of the food. Having such a large daughter-in-law makes me feel humiliated. She’s too overweight,” Noele said in a tone that was rife with contempt.
My heart felt like it was falling apart. I gave birth to our son three years ago at the age of forty, and my body never recovered.
I put in a lot of overtime at work to provide for our family, and I also gave Noele financial support when she needed it. How could she say things about me that were so hurtful?
Setting down my knitting, I tried to make sense of what I had just heard by staring at the wall. My eyes began to brim up with tears, but I blinked them away. Right now, I didn’t want to cry.
The buzzing of my phone startled me out of my reverie. I looked around and saw that I had been daydreaming about Noele’s visit last week.
I was unaware that she was the cause of all the food gone. She didn’t want an obese mother in her son’s life, so she was surreptitiously taking food out of the refrigerator.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at the phone. It was my husband Alexander’s message.
“Hey honey, don’t wait up,” it said. My pals are urging me to stick over for a little while longer:)”
He always seemed to have a reason to avoid being around these days. I also worried if my weight had anything to do with it. Was I really an elephant in his eyes?
I dried my eyes and set my phone down. I had to maintain my strength for my son. Since he was the source of my happiness, I had to resist letting their nasty remarks break me. However, it wasn’t simple.
I was reminded of their talk every time I looked in the mirror. Every dish I prepared seemed to be a betrayal.
I made an effort to see the bright side. I had worked hard to construct my home, I had a beautiful son, and I had an excellent career. That was something that Noele’s remarks could not take away. Still, the hurt persisted.
That night, while I lay in bed, I kept listening to the talk I had overheard. Their remarks still hurt, and my anger only grew the more I thought about it.
I looked at Alexander, who was sleeping sweetly next to me, and said to myself, “I can’t believe they think this way about me.” “I’m the one working and buying all the food.”
With a sigh, I looked up at the ceiling. It wasn’t equitable. I had always made an effort to be encouraging and friendly. I prioritized the needs of others before my own, but what did I gain in return? insulting statements and cruel language.
I suddenly realized. For too long, I had been too kind. It was time for me to take a stance. I didn’t deserve judgment and insults; I deserved respect and gratitude. I glanced back over at Alexander.
He appeared to be so at ease, totally unaware of the chaos going on inside of me.
I could not continue to let their insults shatter me and live my life in this manner. I would start implementing the adjustments tomorrow. I refused to let Noele’s nasty remarks to control my self-perception. I also wouldn’t stand by while Alexander remained silent.
He had to know that his words—or lack thereof—were having an impact on me. We were meant to work together as a team. It was time for him to take responsibility for me.
I got up early with the intention of carrying out my plan.
I made the decision to go to the Asian market after breakfast in order to get some unusual ingredients. I was stunned by the range of things when I first walked into the store, but I knew precisely what I wanted.
I said to the merchant, “Excuse me,” as I picked up a jar. “How much is this?”
With a smile, the vendor revealed the cost to me. He said, “These are very popular.” “Great for special recipes.”
I replied, “Perfect,” and added a few jars to my basket. “I’ll take these.”
I left for home after I got all I needed. I knew Noele was due to drop by in the evening, but Alexander was gone. I had all day to get ready.
In order to make sure everything was flawless, I took a day off from work. I started by getting rid of everything outdated from our fridge.
The ‘strange’ groceries I had purchased were then carefully placed into jars and bottles, making sure they resembled the standard food jars Noele was accustomed to seeing. To reinforce the illusion, I even gave a few of them familiar names on labels.
I mumbled to myself, excited and scared at the same time, “This should do it.”
I took a step back to admire my work after positioning the camera to record Noele’s response. All I had to do was wait now that everything was set up.
I cleaned up and made sure there was no trace of my plan for the remainder of the day.
I was excited and apprehensive about the evening as it got closer.
Noele was on time, so I made sure to leave the house for a couple of hours, which would have given her plenty of time to raid the refrigerator.
Upon my arrival at home, I discovered Noele, who was holding a jar containing live insects, pale and trembling in the kitchen. Her shocked and angry eyes were wide.
Her voice was shaking as she cried, “What the hell is this?!”
“Look at these jars! They are teeming with insects! Moreover, a few of them are still living! Are you crazy? She raised the jar and yelled, her hands trembling.
“Oh, those?” I answered coolly. “I thought some foreign nibbles would be fun for you. They seem to be particularly nutrient-dense.
“This is repulsive! “How could you do this?” she cried, fury radiating from her features.
I inhaled deeply. “How could I do this?” I lost my temper. “How could you disrespect me behind my back and take from me? You believed that I wouldn’t discover? You expected me to ignore your calls for me to be an elephant and your scheme to embezzle all the food I pay for with my hard-earned cash?”
Even more pallid came Noele’s face. Her mouth dropped open, but she was at a loss for words. I went on, speaking in a steady, authoritative tone.
“Noele, I’ve endured your contempt and insults for far too long. I put a lot of effort into providing for this family, and all you do is exploit my generosity. That is, until now. You shall treat me with respect as this is my home.”
Alexander entered at that very time, his expression bewildered and shocked.
He looked first at me, then at the jar in Noele’s hand. “What’s going on here?”
“Oh, your mother is just discovering my special surprise for her,” I replied quietly. “I decided to stock up on some unique groceries.”
Noele pushed the jar in his direction. “She put insects in the refrigerator! This is how she plans to get even.”
I wasn’t finished yet.
“To be honest,” I corrected, “that’s how I define justice.” You two believed that you could exploit me and make me look bad. You now understand that decisions have an impact. You can’t take advantage of me and offend me without suffering consequences.”
“This is completely ridiculous! You have lost your mind!” With anger in her voice, Noele yelled.
“Maybe,” I shot back, matching her scowl. Perhaps I’m simply fed up with being treated disrespectfully in my own house. You can go at this time, and if you don’t intend to treat me with the decency I deserve, don’t even consider returning.”
Still holding onto the jar, Noele stormed away, leaving Alexander stunned.
With a voice full of disbelief, he eventually exclaimed, “I can’t believe you did that.” It was time to give my hubby some advice.
“Accept it,” I firmly stated. And please reconsider if you even for a moment believe that I will put up with this conduct from any of you. I refuse to be treated like a doormat because this is my home.”
Alexander blushed with shame and cast a downward glance. “I… I’m sorry,” he said to himself.
“Sorry isn’t enough,” I answered.
“You must regain my respect and trust. Don’t anticipate everything to return to normal until after that. And hopefully you’re trying to find work. For it’s obvious that you don’t support me at home. Perhaps, given the opportunity, I could prioritize my well-being?”
Our household’s dynamic shifted after that day. Alexander had a lot to make up for as Noele dared not show us her face since then. At times, it’s necessary to make a statement and show others that you’re not going to back down.
